Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Coach Michael Palfrey, who faced criticism for his supportive comments about his former protégé Kim Woo Min from the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office, has been dismissed from the Australian swimming team.
According to the Associated Press, on Friday, Swimming Australia issued a statement revealing that “Coach Palfrey was dismissed for a breach of contract.”
Palfrey’s departure from the Australian swimming team stemmed from his positive remarks about Kim Woo Min before the Olympics.
Palfrey reunited with Kim Woo Min and the South Korean swimming team on July 23, just before the Paris Olympics, at the Paris La Défense Arena, where the swimming events will occur. He also accommodated interview requests from South Korean media.
Palfrey remarked in an interview lasting about 6 minutes and 30 seconds, “The men’s 400m freestyle race, in which Kim Woo Min will compete, will be highly competitive. Based on his training, I believe Kim Woo Min is on par with his rivals and has a strong chance of winning a medal.”
He smiled, “If Kim Woo Min, along with Australian swimmers Samuel Short and Eliza Winnington, all make it to the podium in the 400m freestyle, I would be incredibly proud. That’s the best scenario I could hope for.”
Palfrey expressed high hopes for Kim Woo Min’s potential, stating, “I hope he wins, but ultimately, I just want him to swim well.” After the interview, he thanked the South Korean reporters and cheerfully responded with “Go KOREA.”
Palfrey has a deep connection with Korean swimming. Earlier this year, the Korean swimming team trained in Australia under his expert guidance. They achieved their best-ever results at the 2024 Doha World Swimming Championships, winning two gold medals and one silver.
Palfrey had a particular bond with Kim Woo Min among the Korean swimmers. Kim, eager to learn and push his limits, followed Palfrey’s guidance closely. However, a supportive personal connection soon sparked a significant controversy.
Australian media aimed Palfrey for his glowing remarks about Kim Woo Min, a formidable rival. The Australian Swimming Federation also got involved, launching an investigation into the nature of Palfrey’s relationship with Kim Woo Min.
The situation heated up when Kim Woo Min clinched a bronze in the men’s 400m freestyle at the Paris Olympics, further fueling the debate.
Lucas Martens from Germany dominated the race, taking home the gold, while Winnington grabbed the silver. Kim Woo Min secured the bronze, finishing ahead of Samuel Short, who came in fourth.
Australia’s absence from the medals in the men’s 400m freestyle was partly due to Kim Woo Min’s performance, adding to the scrutiny faced by Palfrey.
The Australian Swimming Federation criticized Palfrey’s comments, saying they had harmed the reputation of Australian swimming. Despite this, Palfrey’s coach’s steals remain intact, with no further disciplinary action.